Ms. Rachel, a children's educator known as Rachel Griffin Accurso, visited Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, on June 10, 2026. During her visit, she spoke with families affected by immigration enforcement. Accurso shared a video of a child recounting her visit with her detained father, who has lived in the U.S. for 20 years and worked as a truck driver. Accurso encouraged her followers to support the family financially.
Accurso expressed concern about the emotional impact of family separations, stating, "How is ripping this family apart and taking him from his children, one with severe special needs, OK?" She reported that many children at the facility were traumatized and fearful.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security responded to Accurso's claims, stating that immigration enforcement does not separate families and highlighted efforts to protect children from exploitation. The spokesperson emphasized that parents are given options regarding their children’s care if they are removed.
Accurso also visited Washington, D.C., to advocate for ending family detention and separation, delivering letters from children to Congress members. She stated, "This is not a partisan issue," emphasizing the need for compassion towards children in detention.
This visit follows previous activism by Accurso, including a visit to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas. She has been vocal about her political views, including her support for children affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Accurso has faced criticism for her statements and actions related to various political issues but maintains that her work is rooted in kindness and inclusion.